SAPYT
Reviews
"Glenden"
Glenden is a purpose built mining town with the majority of the real estate owned by a major mine operator. Basic shopping needs are met by the existence of a grocery store and a handful of small shops. There is a service station, hardware, one public venue that has a family friendly atmosphere and dining. A school caters from pre school to senior although the numbers of students in the higher grades is very low and boarding school is the popular option. there are a small number of sport options but not much for children to do. A lovely public swimming pool precinct is popular. There are basic medical facilities and no hospital. A safe community where many locals know each other and most of the population work at the same place. a single persons residential facility is located on the fringes of town. Lovely golf course and bowls club. A little over two hours drive east to Mackay which is a large regional centre.
Great for
- Community atmosphere
- Safe
Not great for
- Lack of facilities
"Moranbah"
This is a purpose built town for workers of the surrounding mines and their families. There is only one grocery store that sells mediocre fresh food quality. The local pub is in its original 30 year old condition and is too rough at night to take a family out. A workers club is more family orientated however the food is not good due to the common struggle by local service providers to source and keep staff. The attraction of high wages in the mines prevails. There is a kindergarten and two day care centres heavily booked and expensive, two primary schools and a high school. There are many sports for children and adults. The restaurants are low to average quality and overpriced. Qantas link provide flights to Brisbane however fares are expensive in comparison to driving to Mackay 2.5hrs East and flying from there. There is limited entertainment for children with a cinema complex now having been closed for 3 years. Enjoyment of the town depends on who you make friends with and socialise with because there are not many venues to meet people outside of work or the pubs for singles/couples and schools for family people. There are a small number of stores providing basic needs. Internet access is terrible and mobile phone reception limited to Telstra and patchy Optus. Digital TV not scheduled until next year.
Great for
- Sport
Not great for
- Dining out
- Activities for teens
- Activities outside of sport
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
I'm glad to say that over the last couple of years Moranbah have improved. The Workers Club food is normally very good & the staff are very friendly. No we don't have a cinema but quite regularly they put on a "Movie under the stars" in the town center. As a family night out you couldn't ask for more. I have 3 young children and they think it's great to watch a movie outside with a picnic dinner. The day care center are very accommodating as well. I work full in the town but husband is on shift work (as most people in the area are) the days that we don't need to send the young one to day care they try & on sell so we don't have to pay for days that we don't need child care.
Its worth noting- almost all of those amenities are now GONE. The golf course, pub, shops, bowls club, and preschool are all closed. The grovery store barely stocks anything (most is rotten when you get it). The extra curriculars for kids are swimming and possibly either soccer or netball if they're lucky.